a Wilde time

We LOVED having our Wild(e) friends come and visit us in Arizona. Could there be any people better than Cheryl and Dale? I think not.

We took them down to see the Casa Grande Ruins.

It was quite cold and wet, very rare in Arizona. But we had a window of time to explore the ruins and have a picnic lunch.

Then the girls and I went to the story time put on by a ranger.

Brinna got her Jr Ranger badge.

She was quite proud of it.

We went out to an escape room in Tempe. These two were great teammates! 








Cheryl gave all the love to each of my kids. Brinn was thrilled she came to watch her at gymnastics.

We went on a tour of the Olive Mill in Queen Creek. I've always wanted to do the tour and it was delightful.

Cheryl practiced a few tricks on the hoop.






Kacin showed us his strength. He blows me away!

We enjoyed a hike up to Siphons Draw. It was a perfect day for hiking!

All of the rain we have had lately gave us an arizona waterfall.

The water on the rock was gorgeous.

I can't get enough of this beauty.

Before we took them to the airport, we showed them Hole in the Rock.

We feel so safe, so supported, so seen, and so loved by the Wilde's. They have a magic gift of fun, whimsy, knowledge and wisdom. Our family loves them dearly. We can't wait to see them again soon.

Hawaii 0.5 (part one)

Hawaii!!

We were welcomed to the Island with a beautiful thick rainbow in the city.

Kyler, Eric, and I took our first trip to Hawaii together for the first part of Kyler's high school graduation celebration (thanks to credit card points and a companion pass).

Our first visit was to Pearl Harbor.

What a beautiful remembrance.

And this is where we took our first .5 picture and decided that was our signature for the trip--we photographed Hawaii with the .5 (and a few ordinary pictures, too).

We waited in the longest line of all time to check in to a hotel in Waikiki. Never again will I do that. We waited for almost two hours just to check in!!!

But we got to the beach in time for a beautiful sunset.

Then we started the next day with some yoga and meditation on the beach. I had just started my yoga teacher certification so I was excited for such a beautiful place to practice.

We ate some yummy food.

Then hiked Diamond Head.

I'm glad Kyler was there to save his life!

And then join him.

It was incredible to see such variety in the landscapes of Hawaii.

Next we headed to Manoa Falls.

Such a gorgeous, lush trail!

Then we headed to turtle bay for time at the beach.

Then we popped over to Kawela Bay to see the Banyan tree.

We explored the beach where part of Pirates of the Caribbean was shot at. And saw our first sea turtles!








We stopped for some fresh fruit.

Then ended the night grabbing food at the shops by the PCC.

So much beauty in one day! I was smitten with Hawaii.